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Social Media Safety

Social media is all the rage today among teenagers and older adults as well. For many people, the bulk of their daily communications is done via platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Social media has truly revolutionized the way we communicate, enabling multiple users to instantly get in touch with each other regardless of distance or time zones. We have started to connect with each other in new ways. Compared to older times when one would have to wait months for a single letter, today users keep in touch on a micro level. They get to know what their friends and family are doing on a daily basis. In this way, people on opposite sides of the world can maintain close bonds despite not being able to see each other face to face.

Like most things, social media does have its pitfalls despite all of its incredible advantages. Protecting ourselves and children online is a prime concern when it comes to online security. Social media is notorious for opening up facets of our lives that we might otherwise never dream of sharing with strangers. There is also a risk that certain types of information could be seen by employers or school authorities, and thus paint the user in a negative light. In some extreme cases, it could even be used as grounds for firing or suspensions. An easy way to get around this is to simply be careful about what types of information we publish online and to tighten security settings in each account. Adults should also be aware of cyber bullying or online harassment that children may face. Often, this type of behavior may persist under the radar. Another type of danger that exists in any Internet setting is online predators. It is very easy for malignant individuals to hide their true identities and try to lure children or even trusting adults to reveal personal information or to agree to an in-person meeting. A general rule is to only allow people you know in real life and trust to be included in a social media friends list. When strangers send a friend request, find out whether they may simply be a safe, mutual friend. If not, ignore them or block the request. Remember that there are plenty of online tools available specifically to help users maintain their privacy and stay safe. Don’t be afraid to use them! Even technophiles can easily get help by contacting customer support or asking someone they know to help out. Browse through the following resources to learn about social media safety on a more in-depth level. With a little effort, adults and younger users can enjoy their online experiences safely!